Newsletter 119 - December 7th 2023
Prayer of the Week:
This week marks the second Sunday of Advent and gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts in faithful waiting, celebrate the birth of Jesus, and prepare ourselves for his second coming. The second week of advent's theme is Peace. We bring peace to the world when we bring peace to our world. Jesus came to bring peace. He tells people, over and over, not to be afraid. But peace begins at home, within our walls and within ourselves. Jesus offers us peace, but we have to be willing to take the step to rid ourselves of all that gets in the way of that peace. If we change our lives for the better and try to do the right things, we can help to make the world a happier place for other people too. How are you going to change your life for the better this Advent? What will you do for others so that you are ready when Jesus comes?
The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the colour violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.
Blessing: God, thank you.
Thank you for being the One we were waiting for. Help us open our hearts and minds to all you have for us this Advent season. Bless our efforts to extend the love you have shown us to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Principals Report:
Dear St Patrick’s community
As we wrap up week ten, I am delighted to share exciting news about the selection of our student leaders for the upcoming year. The interviews for Grade 5 students aiming for leadership positions in 2024 were conducted with enthusiasm and diligence.
It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Milla W and Riley will take on the role of School Captains for the year 2024, leading by example and guiding their peers. Additionally, our Vice Captains will be Kobe, Greta, Chloe and Lexi, individuals who have shown an exceptional example.
Moving on to our sports leadership, I am proud to introduce Mahli, Monti, Andy and Mackenzie as the Captains for Mackillopand Charlie, Jack, Jackson, and Jayde as the Captains for Barret.
For Joseph, our Captains will be Ethan, Henry, and Liam. These students will play a crucial role in fostering teamwork and sportsmanship within our school community.
In the realm of sustainability, I am thrilled to announce Logan and Maddox as the leaders who will champion our environmental initiatives in 2024.
Miss Comitti will receive invaluable assistance from our Buddy Leaders: Emily, Archie, and Ally. Their guidance and support will be instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition for all students.
Jett will take the helm in leading our technology endeavours, ensuring that our school assemblies and other events run smoothly as well as managing aspects of the 45 new iPads that will enter the school early next year.
I am eager to witness the growth of these students as they embark on their leadership journeys in their respective roles. Their passion and dedication will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our school community.
On another note, class placements have been finalised, and families will be informed tomorrow, Friday 8th December. This paves the way for Transition Day on Tuesday, where students will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their 2024 classes and Teaching staff.
Invitations for the graduation liturgy for the 2023 Grade 6 cohort have been sent via Dojo, and we happily await the RSVPs to this event.
With Kind Blessings,
Bettina
A word from the office:
Wellbeing:
Last week three students who are on our MATES program travelled with Miss Comitti to 502 to participate in the end of year MATES celebration.
We had a special visit from Jamie’s mobile zoo and shared a lovely lunch together. As a school we’re very grateful to be part of the MATES program.
The program has helped improve our student wellbeing and allow our students to know their own self worth.
We thank:
Kate, Jane & Penny for their commitment to our school and our students.
If you know of anyone or if you would like to volunteer yourself to be a MATES Mentor please get in contact with me.
Thank you, Lillie Comitti - Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator
Teaching and Learning:
School Assemblies: Our assemblies are led by a different class each week and tomorrow's assembly begins at 2:50pm. Students will be dismissed from the hall at 3:15pm. We invite all our community to come along.
Week 10: Junior R & F
Assembly - Whole school community invited to attend;
At 2:50pm next Friday 15th December we will gather for our final school assembly of 2023 in the school hall.
Our Grade 6 students will be hosting. We will show their Year 6 Graduation imovie.
Junior R and F:
In Years 1 and 2, we have been thoroughly enjoying the final school weeks of the year. We have all continued to work very hard and enjoyed being with our friends.
We have all taken part in swimming lessons at the pool. This has been a fabulous conclusion to the school year, giving us a welcome change from working in the classroom and teaching us vital skills about swimming prior to the fast approaching summer holidays.
The Year 1 children enjoyed watching ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ after having listened to the story during their fruit time. There was much excitement and enthusiasm on the day with many of the children bringing pillows and blankets to snuggle up with whilst watching the movie.
We were all delighted to hear the exciting news of the birth of Miss Fleming’s baby daughter, Stella Grace. The Year 2 children took much pleasure in composing and designing congratulatory cards for Miss Fleming and her husband Tyler. These cards were passed onto Miss Fleming who expressed her delight in receiving them. We are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby Stella and Miss Fleming at our excursion to Halls Gap.
At the moment we are all preparing our songs for our annual Christmas celebration. Each class has a song to sing and the children are enjoying deciding on the accompanying actions. We are sure you will be suitably impressed.
2023 has been a wonderful year for all of the children in Years 1 and 2. We have been delighted with the progress that all children have made in all areas of the curriculum, particularly literacy and numeracy. We thank everyone for making the year such a special and successful one. We hope you all enjoy a very safe and happy break with your families. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
End of school celebrations:
End of year mass: Our end of year school mass will be held next Wednesday at 9:15am at the church. The end of year mass serves as a significant and meaningful way to conclude our year together in prayer and reflection. As a catholic school we view education as a holistic process that encompasses the intellectual, emotional and spiritual dimensions of our student’s lives. Our end of year mass serves as a reminder of our schools commitment to the overall well-being of our students.
Grade 6 graduation liturgy:
Who: Grade 6 families only
When: Thursday 14th December, 2023
Where: St Patricks School Hall. Details to follow.
Time: 5:30pm - Grade 6 students are to wear their school uniform.
Followed by -
Whole school - Family Carols on the Green:
When: Thursday 14th December, 2023.
Where: St Patrick's Primary School Oval -
Time: 6:30pm Gates open
Catering: To be advised
BYO: chairs/picnic blanket
Carols: Students are also busy learning their Christmas Carol which they will present on the night.
Our end of year celebration is where we can come together to celebrate our school year and the Grade 6 Graduation. It will be an evening to celebrate our learning, our achievements and our personal growth. It is also a chance to say goodbye to our Grade 6 students and families that will be leaving at the end of 2023. We hope you can join us in celebrating a terrific year of learning, teaching and growing together as a community of learners. Foundation to Grade 5 students can wear casual clothes.
Congratulations to Maryanne in Grade 2 and
Mahli in Grade 5 on their first place in the
Christmas Tree festival colouring.
To Imogen in Foundation and Molly in grade 6 on their
third place.
To Kora, Molly, Saviero and Lily on their highly commended in the festival competition. Thankyou to all our students for putting their work in the display and helping make the festival such a colourful success.
Living in Faith:
With only a few weeks till Christmas most have begun our preparations. In Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ published in 2015, Pope Francis invites us to choose a different lifestyle in a world where “the market tends to promote extreme consumerism in an effort to sell its products” (No. 203).
Pope Francis calls us to move towards “more sustainable lifestyles”. There are ways to live a sustainable Christmas in harmony with our common home.
Below are a few ideas to consider for a more sustainable Christmas: Cards
Have you heard about “plantable” cards? They can double as a card and a gift!
Reuse old Christmas cards to create your own unique ones. Gifts
Consider the packaging when purchasing gifts and food. Look for items with as little packaging and plastic as possible.
Shop in local stores.
Give a potted Christmas tree as a gift. The receiver can grow it and even plant it later on.
Opt for fabric products that are certified to be eco-friendly and toxin-free.
Buy toys or gifts that have the least amount of plastic, and do not use batteries.
Use your creative talents to make a gift or vouchers for services you will provide.
Offer an experience like concert tickets, a hot air balloon trip or a spa day. Gift wrapping
Instead of paper, wrap gifts in reusable materials like fabric or recyclable ones like recycled wrapping paper or brown paper (especially for large packages), children’s artwork or newspaper.
Make gift bags and tags made from old newspapers, cloth or other strong recycled material.
Raffia, string or twine are eco-friendly replacements for colorful plastic ribbons.
Reuse shipping materials when sending packages and avoid purchasing bubble wrap. After Christmas
Recycle as much as you can! Collectively, we can make a huge difference in the world we live in—let’s make it a joyous time for Mother Nature as well.
- Decide how to save your potted Christmas tree.
- Think about any unwanted presents. Return them, regift them, or give them to charity rather than letting them collect dust or tossing them into the trash. Remember that one person’s trash is another’s treasure!
Fundraising: Each Friday till the end of Term our MiniVinnies group will be selling Zooper Doopers for $1.00each at lunch time under the shade sails. The money raised will go towards Stawell Inter church Council Welfare Centre and St Vincent de Paul Sponsor a student program. As always we thank our St Patrick’s community for your support.
Students of the week:
Kaison Portelli - For the self-motivation and determination you have shown all year. Thank you for your hard work and persistence Kaison.
Mackenzie Stevenson - For the kindness and compassion you show towards your class members. Thank you for being you Mackenzie.
Chevy Haynes - For the curiosity you show in all areas of learning, I admire your admiration Chevy. Keep up the wonderful work.
James Hooper - For the dedication you have given to your learning this year. Your hard work has paid off and is reflected in the wonderful results you achieved in your assessments. You are a superstar!
Marley Carlsen- For taking risks and sharing your knowledge with your peers. You are answering questions with more confidence and your little personality is shining. Keep up the hard work!
Lexie Bailey - For being an absolute joy, pleasure and privilege to work with this term. Have a well-earned rest and a splendid break.
Emila Jones - For being an absolute delight, pleasure and privilege to work with this term. Have a well-earned rest and a wonderful break.
Tamieka Austin - For the great results you achieved on your final Cars and Stars review. I am very proud of you!
Bill Lasslett - For the being a self-motivated, collaborative and curious learner while working on your 'Forces Vehicle' in Science. Well done Bill!
Nathaniel Abraham - For the resilience you have displayed while completing your assessments this week. Great work Nathaniel, you have done very well!
Luke Fulton - For your great use of your collaborative superpower while working on your Force Vehicle in Science. Great work Luke!
Henry Wadge - For working so hard at developing your writing and taking on any feedback given. Congratulations Henry!
Monti Repper - For always showing all the school superpowers, making you such a great learner. Well done on all your progress Monti!
Ethan Jones - For the amazing leadership you have shown both in and out of the classroom this year. Well done Ethan!
Milla Mitchell - For the fantastic results you have achieved in your end of year Maths assessments. Great job Milla!
Mary MacKillop Award:
Mary MacKillop lived a life dedicated to her faith and serving the needs of others. Wherever and however she could, Mary MacKillop did everything possible to improve the lives of others. This award acknowledges the thoughtful actions of the students at St Patrick’s to help others.
“Do all you can to assist and love one another”. Saint Mary MaKilllop
Congratulations to this weeks award recipient Jack W .
For using his initiative and responsible manner in caring for our school environment.
Thank you.
Congratulations to these students who celebrate their birthday this week:
Laila and Jack C.
Diocesan/Parish news:
Mass Times:
Ararat Sunday 8.30am
Stawell Sunday 10.30am
Lake Bolac 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays 6.30pm Vigil Sat
Landsborough 2nd, 4th Sundays 12.30pm
Glenthompson (Hamilton Parish) 2nd, 4th Sundays 8.30am
Parents and Friends news:
Raffle: To our wonderful Parents and Friends Group your commitment to our school community is truly inspiring and plays a vital role in enhancing the educational experience for all our students. Our P&F group contributes significantly to build a sense of community within our school. They provide a platform for parents, students, staff and other community to come together to interact and build strong relationships.
To our wonderful families who sold tickets. We know that things are financially difficult for many. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your incredible support in our recent school raffle. Your generosity and enthusiasm made the event a tremendous success.
To our local business that generously supported our raffle. Without their support our raffle would not have been possible.
As a school community where you are able please support the businesses that support us.
Position Vacant:
Around Our Community:
Upcoming Events:
Our Vision and Mission:
Vision Statement: St Patrick's School is a community which reflects and celebrates Christ as its centre point: By honoring our story we value our whole community. By coming together our vision is for a loving, just, compassionate and tolerant world. Mission Statement: In the tradition of St Patrick, we are committed to: Promoting and celebrating a love of God, self and community. Recognizing and enhancing the talents and uniqueness of each person through our vision of Prayer, Care and Learning. PRAYER We nurture and grow our relationship with God as members of a faith community. CARE We foster recognition of difference, compassion for others and the strength to act on our beliefs. LEARNING We develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills essential to reaching our full potential as life- long learners.